There are a variety of visas that can be obtained in order to move to Spain. Knowing the proper visa to apply for and how to go about getting one will save time and help you avoid legal trouble. By obtaining one of the visas below and following some additional steps, you will successfully move to Spain. The following is a guide on how to move to Spain.

Steps

1

Obtain a Residency Visa to retire in Spain.

Visit the Spanish Consulate that serves your jurisdiction.

Since each Consulate has its own customized requirements document, find and download the one for your jurisdiction. It will have a list similar to the following. It will also state whether you must apply in person, how to make an appointment, which forms must be in Spanish, etc.

Provide 2 National Visa Applications.

Provide 2 passport-sized photos.

Each must have a white background.

Provide a passport that is valid for at least 1 year.

Provide proof that you are in your current country legally.

Provide documents that prove that you have family ties.

Provide a Police Records Certificate.

Provide proof that you do not have any contagious diseases.

Provide proof that you have sufficient financial means to take care of yourself (and your family, if applicable) during the duration of your stay.

Provide a money-order to pay for your visa application.

2

Obtain a Residency Visa to work in Spain as an employee.

Visit the Spanish Consulate that serves your jurisdiction.

Provide 2 National Visa Application forms. You must be at least age 16 to apply.

Submit an approval letter from the Extranjeria (Spain's immigration office) that is addressed to your future employer.

Provide a passport that is valid for at least 4 months.

Provide 2 passport-sized photos.

Provide proof that you are in your current country legally.

Provide a Police Records Certificate.

Provide proof that you do not have any contagious diseases.

Provide a money-order to pay for your visa application.

3

Obtain a Residency Visa that is exempt from requiring a work permit. This is for foreigners who wish to develop artistic, teaching, scientific, cultural, or religious activities while living in Spain.

Visit the Spanish Consulate that serves your jurisdiction.

Provide 2 National Visa Applications.

Provide a passport that is valid for at least 1 year.

Provide 2 passport-sized photos.

Provide proof that you are in your current country legally.

Provide a Police Records Certificate.

Provide proof that you do not have any contagious diseases.

Provide an invitation or documentation that describes the activities you will participate in.

Provide documents that verify that the organization you will work with is accredited by the appropriate authorities in Spain.

Provide a money-order to pay for the visa application.

4

Obtain a Residency Visa for investors or self-employed individuals.

Visit the Spanish Consulate that serves your jurisdiction.

Provide 2 National Visa Application forms.

Provide a passport that is valid for at least 4 months.

Provide 2 passport-sized photos.

Provide proof that you are legally in your current country.

Complete official form EX01.

Ask your local Spanish Consulate for this form.

Provide a Police Records Certificate.

Provide proof that you do not have any contagious diseases.

Provide an academic title or degree, if relevant to your occupation.

Provide a list of the documentation that is required to perform your occupation and your status as it relates to each.

Provide proof that you are financially stable.

Provide a money-order to pay for your visa application.

5

Find a home in Spain.

A simple Internet search will help you find a home.

Contact anyone you know in Spain for recommendations.

6

Find an international mover.

A simple Internet search will help you choose the best international mover.

Contact anyone you know who has moved internationally for recommendations.

Move to Spain.

1

Make sure you close all bank accounts in your current country and transfer them to accounts in Spain as soon as possible.

2

Pay off any debts or other liabilities before you leave. Take care of any other problems that you may have difficulty solving when in a different country.

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after the departure date from Spain to avoid any travel complications. The average time required for obtaining a Schengen Visa is 15 days after the application process.

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Tips

The rules regarding Police Records Certificates are strict. Be sure to check with your local Spanish Consulate for details.

An original and 2 copies of each document must be submitted for many of the visas. For the rest, an original and 1 copy must be submitted.

Each photo must have a white background.

If you wish to reunite with a family member who is a legal resident of Spain, you may be eligible for a visa. Check with your local Spanish Consulate for further information.

After arriving in Spain, be sure to visit the Oficina de Extranjeros (Office of Foreigners) to apply for a NIE number. This is a national ID number.

A written statement from your doctor that you do not have any contagious diseases will be accepted as proof of your medical condition.

Generally, any documentation that you provide must be translated into Spanish.

If you are emigrating to Spain from the United States, you may obtain your police records online. Otherwise, check with your local Spanish Consulate for further information on how to obtain police records.